Former Premier League striker and pundit Troy Deeney has delivered a characteristically forthright assessment of two of the top flight's recent signings, offering a mixed verdict on Chelsea's Malo Gusto while lavishing praise on Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.
Deeney's Mixed Review of Chelsea's Malo Gusto
The comments came after a weekend where both players impressed for their respective clubs. Malo Gusto, the £31 million Chelsea right-back signed in 2023, was instrumental in his side's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday. The 22-year-old France international provided an assist for Cole Palmer's opener and then scored a goal himself, earning a place in several pundits' Teams of the Week.
Despite this, Deeney admitted he remains unconvinced by the defender. "I'm not the biggest lover of this fella if I'm being honest," Deeney said. "I can't work out why I don't rate him but I just don't." He did, however, concede that credit was due for Gusto's performance against a poor Everton side, acknowledging his goal and assist.
High Praise for Liverpool's 'Underrated' Striker
In stark contrast, Deeney had nothing but superlatives for Liverpool's summer signing Hugo Ekitike. The forward, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million, scored a brace in Liverpool's win over Brighton, continuing a promising start to his Anfield career under manager Arne Slot.
Deeney hailed the Frenchman as "the most underrated striker in the Premier League." He elaborated, "Two goals in back-to-back games. The kid scores. He comes off after 70 minutes for Alexander Isak. Fantastic signing." Deeney even suggested Ekitike could challenge Manchester City's Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot, stating, "He will be pushing Erling Haaland all the way for most goals. This kid is mustard – he's the real deal."
Weekend Fallout and Looking Ahead
Chelsea's win moved them back into the Premier League's top four, though they remain eight points behind leaders Arsenal. They followed it with a 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Cardiff City on Tuesday, setting up a semi-final clash with one of Manchester City, Brentford, Newcastle, Fulham, Arsenal, or Crystal Palace.
Liverpool's victory left them seventh, ten points off the top, but offered hope of a revival after a difficult patch. Their focus now turns to a Premier League clash with Tottenham this Saturday. Chelsea, meanwhile, face a tricky away fixture against Newcastle United at St James' Park.
